2008 in review; here comes 2009!

Well I’m a little slow on the uptake, but that’s the way it goes around the holidays! I’ve been working a lot at the store this week, selling tons o’ yarn on our boxing week sale, and then counting everything that was left! Whew.

2008 was a pretty interesting year – tons of awesome stuff happened!

I wrote and published Teach Yourself Visually Sock Knitting and did all the stuff associated with it, including a business trip to Indianapolis. I also taught my first out of town class, at Shall We Knit in New Hamburg, ON.

I self published a bunch of patterns – the B-Side Cardigan, Simple Yet Effective shawl (version 2.0), Perimeter Skirt, Galileo Mittens, Waffles, a reissue of the Vino Cardigan, and of course, Just Enough Ruffles! Thanks to everyone who has purchased my patterns, I really appreciate it! I also started working on a series of hard-copy basic patterns for lettuce knit, hopefully soon to be expanded and available for wholesale (not for awhile though!).

I bought a new camera, and just now, a new lens! I also started the Flickr 365 self-portrait project on my birthday, August 1, when I turned 24. I spent a lot of time single (as in, not in a relationship).

I traveled to Europe for the first time ever (definitely not the last), my first time flying alone and my first big trip alone – although I wasn’t actually traveling along since I had my good friend Ysolda to go around with!

2008 in review - sampling of FOs

I think I did a little less knitting this year, but it was pretty productive – working on designs takes a lot longer than knitting someone else’s pattern! I did lots of weaving and a little bit of sewing too. I worked and taught a lot at the store, which continues to grow and be an awesome place to be!

Goals for 2009? Well, I didn’t really think I had all that much until I started writing this! There are lots of things on the menu for this year, including a ton of traveling. My round the world trip of course, for which I leave on January 18! There’s so much to do before then. To recap, I’ll be headed to Japan, China, Malaysia, India, and then a stop in Scotland on the way home when I head back in March. It’s crazy! I’m scared but excited, and everyone is telling me how happy they are that I’m doing this kind of trip. My wallet’s a little sad though!

In May I’m hoping to head down to the NYC and then the Maryland Sheep and Wool (anyone driving from NYC that’s willing to take a few passengers?).

In July I’ll be going to Hawaii for two weeks with my family – which should be interesting, since I haven’t been on vacation with them in a long time! Hopefully my mother will let me do my own thing rather than always doing the touristy things they do – if I’m on vacation, I need to time to chill out!

So what are my goals for all these trips and in between?

Sew more – possibly take a class so I can alleviate a little of my frustration with sewing!
Read more.
Be mindful in my knitting and designing.
Take lots of photographs and improve my photography.
De-clutter – I’ve been doing a lot of this over the holidays, but there’s always more to get rid of!
Design more, publish more. Market myself more.
Cook and eat well.
Move. Both in the physical sense and in the home sense.

There’s so much to do this year – I think I’ll be taking this weekend as one to relax and get ready for everything!

Happy 2009, everyone – let’s make it a good one.


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18 responses to “2008 in review; here comes 2009!”

  1. Cabbage Avatar

    Don’t forget about Amelia, you designed and published that pattern too!

  2. Alice from france Avatar

    Happy New year to you Laura!! I’m sending you my best wishes for 2009!!

  3. andrea Avatar

    You’ve done so much this year! Happy New Year!

    If you take the Bolt bus (trips for under $15 one way) from Midtown Manhattan to Philadelphia you can always ride on the Rosie’s Yarn Cellar bus to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Fest. There’s a good amount of us that go and it’s a lot of fun!

  4. knithoundbrooklyn Avatar

    I’ve been following your blog for some time now and I am excited by the patterns you’ve created. Based on your 2008 recap, you’ve had an amazing year. Good luck in 2009, especially in your travels. I’m looking forward to seeing what you create in the coming year (personally, I have your Just Enough Ruffle scarf in my queue!)

  5. Jennifer Avatar

    Hear! Hear! And a happy new year to you, too.

  6. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    A few things – You skipped the Rayne Wrap Cardigan on your list of designs this year. I’m working on a sleeve of that now. It’ll be a great maternity and nursing sweater. Have a wonderful trip. That’s really a once in a lifetime opportunity. Good for your for going for it. There’s plenty of time to save money later. As far as your family trip goes, chilling out IS the touristy thing to do in Hawaii. Happy new year.

  7. Jocelyn Avatar

    You’re an inspiration. Happy 2009!

  8. Emilee Avatar

    Have a wonderful trip. Happy new year!

  9. cici Avatar

    quite impressive… you’ve done a lot! Happy New Year to you!

  10. Monique Avatar

    Wow! You’ve been a busy little bee. I hope this year brings you just as much enjoyment, if not more, than last year. Happy New Year!

  11. Nadia Lewis Avatar

    You had a great year knitwise! I hope you have another great one!

  12. gleek Avatar

    you had a pretty amazing 2008! and with your trip around the world in 2009, i think that this new year is going to be spectacular as well :) happy new year!

  13. tigerlilith Avatar

    wow, what a year of achievements! your upcoming trip sounds amazing (& ‘m a teeny bit jealous…) – if you’re going to be near the west coast of scotland at all, feel free to come say hi! :)

  14. Karen Avatar
    Karen

    What a grand year! I am currently working on Just Enough Ruffles and really enjoying it :^)

    Hope to see you at MS&W to sign my book!

  15. Wendolene Avatar

    Happy New Year! Your 2008 sounds (and looks–I love all those photos) like it was a good one. Here’s to an even better 2009!

  16. Knittripps Avatar

    Dexter is a great show. Have a great trip!

  17. Brianna Avatar

    Great year in review, and some killer cool projects. I envy your talent! Hope this next year is as rewarding and prosperous in the project department!

  18. suzie Avatar

    you have definately been busy and i will be trying to knit some of your patterns!

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